<petition><petition_analysis_number>11686102</petition_analysis_number><petition_url>https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11686102</petition_url><state>Virginia</state><county>Augusta</county><location_type>County</location_type><file_day>7</file_day><file_month>1</file_month><file_year>1861</file_year><filing_court>Legislative</filing_court><enslaved_count>0</enslaved_count><fpoc_count>1</fpoc_count><total_people_count>1</total_people_count><repository>Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia</repository><abstract>Walker Fitch, a free man of color, represents "that he is tired of his condition of Freedom and is desirous of choosing a master &amp; changing his condition to that of Slavery."  He therefore "prays your Honorable Body to pass a Law authorizing his enslavement to Mr. [Michael G.] Harman."  Harman attests that "he is the owner of the Wife &amp; children of said Walker &amp; has had him in his employment for several years, &amp; is willing to accept said Walker as his slave upon equitable terms."</abstract><subjects><subject>Voluntary enslavement</subject></subjects></petition>